ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Senior Animal Behavior Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Barn Sanctuary

Animal Care Intern

Chelsea, MI

$13.73/hr

... and behavior, get the chance to work with many special needs animals as well as perform other day-to-day duties. Interns will report to the Senior Animal Caregiver while working closely with the ...

City of Cedar Park, TX

Animal Control Officer

Cedar Park, TX · On-site

$20.58 - $25.73/hr

May serve as Senior Animal Control Officer in that person's absence. * Performs such other related ... Must have a general working knowledge of animal control regulations to include and animal behavior ...

City of Cedar Park

Animal Control Officer

Cedar Park, TX · On-site

$20.58 - $25.73/hr

May serve as Senior Animal Control Officer in that person's absence. Performs such other related ... Must have a general working knowledge of animal control regulations to include and animal behavior ...

Monterey Bay Aquarium

Curator, Mammals

Monterey, CA · On-site

Advise senior Animal Care management with budget planning, management, and oversight for ... Expert-level understanding of animal behavior and captive husbandry principals * Expert-level ...

Monterey Bay Aquarium

Curator, Mammals

Monterey, CA · On-site

Advise senior Animal Care management with budget planning, management, and oversight for ... Expert-level understanding of animal behavior and captive husbandry principals * Expert-level ...

Chimp Haven

Animal Caregiver

Keithville, LA · On-site

Report unusual behavior or injuries. Transport food, bedding, or supplies from storage areas to ... senior animal care staff. Does not normally supervise anyone but may serve as group leader. May ...

Arizona State University

Animal Technician

Tempe, AZ · On-site

$20/hr

... Sr., Animal Technologist, Animal Technologist Lead). ASU's Department of Animal Care and ... Observe health and behavior of animals, report injuries or abnormalities to the veterinary team ...

Chimp Haven

Animal Caregiver

LA · On-site

Report unusual behavior or injuries. • Transport food, bedding, or supplies from storage areas to ... or senior animal care staff. • Does not normally supervise anyone but may serve as group leader ...

Arizona State University

Animal Technician

Tempe, AZ · On-site

$20/hr

... Sr., Animal Technologist, Animal Technologist Lead). ASU's Department of Animal Care and ... Observe health and behavior of animals, report injuries or abnormalities to the veterinary team ...

fwzoo

Animal Programs Swing Keeper

Fort Worth, TX

The Senior Mammal Curator will manage the work schedule for this position. Essential Duties and ... observe animal behavior for signs of illness, weight loss/gain or injury; report any signs of ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsAnimal Behavior JobsSenior Animal Behavior Jobs

Senior Animal Behavior information

See salary details

$25K

$80.3K

$163.5K

How much do senior animal behavior jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior animal behavior in the United States is $80,287.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,500.00 and $103,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Senior Animal Behaviorist do?

A Senior Animal Behaviorist studies animal behavior to understand how animals interact with their environment, other animals, and humans. They may work in research, zoos, animal shelters, or as consultants, developing programs to modify problematic behaviors or improve animal welfare. In a senior role, they often lead teams, design experiments, and provide expert advice on animal training and enrichment. Their work helps improve animal care and supports conservation efforts. Senior Animal Behaviorists typically have advanced degrees and extensive experience in animal behavior science.

What is the difference between Senior Animal Behavior vs Animal Behaviorist?

AspectSenior Animal BehaviorAnimal Behaviorist
Required CredentialsAdvanced degrees (Master's/PhD), certifications in animal behaviorTypically a degree in animal science, psychology, or related field; certifications vary
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, animal shelters, zoos, private consultingAnimal shelters, zoos, research facilities, private practice
Employer & Industry UsageResearch institutions, universities, specialized consulting firmsAnimal care facilities, zoos, private clients
Common Search & ComparisonSenior Animal Behavior vs Animal Behaviorist

Senior Animal Behavior professionals often have advanced education and oversee complex projects, while Animal Behaviorists focus on applying behavioral science to improve animal welfare and training. Both roles require a strong understanding of animal behavior, but Senior Animal Behavior roles typically involve leadership and research responsibilities, whereas Animal Behaviorists are more client-facing and hands-on.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Senior Animal Behaviorist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior Animal Behaviorist, you need advanced knowledge of animal behavior science, a relevant degree (such as in animal behavior, zoology, or psychology), and substantial hands-on experience with animal assessment and training. Familiarity with behavioral assessment tools, data analysis software, and certifications like CAAB (Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist) or ACAAB are often required. Strong observational skills, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication with both animals and humans set outstanding professionals apart. These skills are vital for accurately diagnosing behavioral issues, developing effective intervention plans, and ensuring the well-being of animals in various settings.

What are some common challenges Senior Animal Behaviorists face when working with animals in shelters or rescue environments?

Senior Animal Behaviorists in shelters often encounter animals with complex behavioral issues stemming from stress, trauma, or lack of socialization. Addressing these challenges requires patience, creative problem-solving, and collaboration with veterinary staff and caretakers to develop individualized behavior modification plans. Additionally, balancing the needs of multiple animals and limited resources can be demanding, but it offers valuable experience in prioritizing care and advocating for animal welfare. Effective communication with adopters and staff is also crucial to ensure successful long-term outcomes for the animals.
What cities are hiring for Senior Animal Behavior jobs? Cities with the most Senior Animal Behavior job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Animal Behavior jobs? The most popular types of Animal Behavior jobs are:
What states have the most Senior Animal Behavior jobs? States with the most job openings for Senior Animal Behavior jobs include:
Senior Animal Behavior jobs near you

Animal Care Intern

Barn Sanctuary

Chelsea, MI

$13.73/hr

Temporary

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

About Barn Sanctuary

Barn Sanctuary is dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and providing lifelong care to abused and neglected farmed animals, while inspiring people to embrace a more compassionate, plant-based lifestyle. Each  day, we provide safe and loving homes to our residents, including cows, pigs, goats, sheep, turkeys, ducks, chickens, donkeys and other incredible beings who deserve dignity and care. We’re seeking a compassionate, hardworking, and dedicated individual to intern with our Animal Care team to support the sanctuary’s mission and help us maintain a safe, clean, and enriching  environment for our animal residents who call Barn Sanctuary home. 

Job Overview

Animal Care Interns gain experience working at a nonprofit sanctuary with over 140 animal residents covering nine different species, learn valuable skills related to animal health and behavior, get the chance to work with many special needs animals as well as perform other day-to-day duties.

Interns will report to the Senior Animal Caregiver while working closely with the Animal Care and Facilities teams and may also occasionally coordinate with other departmental staff and volunteers.

Your time interning with the Animal Care Team is valued very much. We could not maintain our high standards of care without the help of interns and volunteers.



Specifications

  • We are currently accepting applications for our Fall internship which will run from the first week of August through the last week of October.

  • Part time internships are available, with a minimum of 24 hours per week.

  • Weekend availability required.

  • 12-week minimum commitment.

  • This is a paid internship with an hourly rate of $13.73.

  • This internship will be performed 100% on site and interns must be able to commute and provide their own reliable transportation.

  • Interns must be prepared to work in all weather conditions and plan to dress appropriately.

  • Interns must be 18 or older.

  • Interns must have the ability to lift 50 pounds and do general physical work.


Duties Responsibilities

  • Cleaning and refilling resident waters

  • Mucking barns and coops

  • Preparing and distributing food to residents

  • Applying sunscreen and fly spray to residents that require it (Summer interns only)

  • Cooking and distributing eggs to the birds

  • Chopping and distributing fresh produce

  • Assisting with resident medical treatments and health checks

  • Shadowing Animal Caregiver daily routines


General Requirements

  • Interest in animal care, veterinary science, animal behavior, nonprofit sanctuary work

  • Commitment to Barn Sanctuary’s organization goals and mission

  • Strong attention to detail

  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team

  • Strong communication skills

  • Flexibility and openness to a multitude of tasks

  • Willingness to learn new things

  • Extreme reliability and dedication

  • Patience and the ability to act calmly in stressful situations


Creating a culture of Equality isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s also the smart thing. Diverse organizations are more innovative and better positioned to succeed in changing the world for the better. We strive to create a workplace that reflects the communities we serve and where everyone feels empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work.

Barn Sanctuary is an equal opportunity employer that strictly prohibits discrimination against any employee, independent contractor, volunteer, or applicant for any position because of an individual’s race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran’s status, or any other characteristic protected by law.